Glasgow Caledonian University

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is an award-winning institution based in Glasgow, Scotland, with an additional campus in London. It offers an innovative and creative education, contributing positively to society and striving to go beyond the traditional role of a university.

GCU provides academic excellence, with students addressing real-world global challenges to transform lives. A commitment to the common good is at the forefront of its strategy, with a vision to be recognised as a world leader in social innovation by 2030.

Key stats:

• Top modern university in the UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (TSTGUG), and Daily Mail University Guide (DMUG) 2026)
• Top 40 UK university (TSTGUG and DMUG, 2026)
• University of the Year for graduate jobs (DMUG, 2026)
• Top 250 globally (Times Higher Education Young Universities Rankings, 2024)
• Number one for physiotherapy and subjects allied to medicine (TSTGUG, 2026)

GCU is the leading university in the UK for food science and key health areas including radiography, physiotherapy and subjects allied to medicine, with hospitality, leisure, recreation and tourism ranked second in the UK, and first in Scotland (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).

With a wide range of professionally accredited courses and links with over 300 industry partners, Glasgow Caledonian University has the highest proportion of undergraduate level graduates in highly skilled occupations (78 percent) compared to other Scottish modern universities, as well as 92 percent of students in employment or further study within fifteen months of graduating (HESA, 2025).

The university community is formed of 1,600 staff and more than 22,000 students, and includes international students from 119 countries. It performed extremely strongly in the latest International Student Barometer, with 95 percent satisfaction ratings for the learning experience and arrival experience, and a 93 percent rating for happiness.

Entry requirements

Students at Glasgow Caledonian University must meet both academic and English language entry requirements.

Academic

At undergraduate level, academic entry requirements vary between courses. Students are advised to check the eligibility criteria for their preferred degree prior to application.

For postgraduate degrees, students must typically hold a minimum 2:2 bachelor's degree with honours, or an equivalent qualification.

English language

International students who come from a country which is not classified as a UKVI majority-English speaking country must provide evidence of their English language proficiency.

Broadly speaking, to enrol on a degree at GCU, students must have achieved an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no band score below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The result must relate to a test taken within the past two years.

Students are advised to check the specific requirements for their chosen degree, since some courses require a higher level of English.

A range of English language qualifications are accepted by GCU, and students can undertake the Oxford ELLT through the university to receive a discount on the cost of their test.

Glasgow School for Business and Society (GSBS) integrates business, law and social sciences to ensure courses meet industry needs, and that students are professionally equipped for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.

External partners visit GSBS for the latest research-led thinking, to contribute to courses, and access student talent. Facilities include Media Studios, the Fashion Factory, a Bloomberg Suite and a Moot Room for authentic professional experiences.

School of Health and Life Sciences (SHLS) is one of Scotland's largest providers of health and life science education. It delivers research excellence in priority areas related to public health and managing long-term conditions. Professionally accredited courses mean students graduate with a head-start in their chosen field and with scope for overseas employment.

The interprofessional simulation suite provides virtual hospital, ambulance, home, and care home environments for students to develop skills and build confidence prior to placement. A dedicated diagnostic imaging suite enables practise using real x-ray and medical ultrasound equipment, while the Vision Centre provides clinical services for students to train as optometrists, ophthalmic dispensers and orthoptists.

School of Science and Engineering (SSE) delivers a range of modern and innovative courses in the built and natural environment, boasting research strength in sustainable environments. Students benefit from valuable research and industrial placements.

Virtual reality and testing facilities include an e-motion lab, an upgraded suite of labs in forensics, sustainable energy, cyber security (SOAP labs), and smart technologies such as robotics and internetworking.

GCU London is a modern, postgraduate campus in the heart of London, providing top-quality teaching and global industry partnerships. It delivers master's degrees across seven subject areas, providing the skills, tools and experiences needed to change society.

GCU is committed to ensuring students have the best possible study experience and offers a range of in-person support services.

Health and wellbeing

The Student Wellbeing team offers a free, confidential advice and support service through which students can access one-to-one counselling/therapy, group sessions and workshops. Childcare is available on campus for those with families.

International students

The Visa Immigration Support and Advice (VISA) team is on-hand to help with visa-related matters, including application support, information about visa conditions, post-study work eligibility, and more.

Disability

The dedicated disability team provides advice, information and services to disabled students and applicants.

Inclusivity

Helping more young people from diverse backgrounds into university is something GCU is passionate about, encouraging and supporting care leavers and people from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for and study at the university.

Study support

Each school offers its own Learning Development Centre, staffed by a team of experienced academic development tutors. These offer support in areas such as academic writing, English for academic purposes, ICT skills, and other general study skills.

Personal tutor

Students are assigned a personal academic tutor to talk things through one-to-one and receive advice on academic progress, university experience and general wellbeing.

Safety

The UK is a safe and peaceful location for international students. GCU takes measures to ensure that its campuses in both Glasgow and London are safe and secure. Campuses are constantly monitored by security, and a range of safety procedures are in place. These include detailed health and safety policies, emergency arrangements, training and other procedures.

The university routinely promotes mental and physical health initiatives, and students studying abroad are given advice and assistance regarding safety around the globe.

Glasgow

The hub of the Glasgow campus is the striking Sir Alex Ferguson Library, which is home to the Campus Life Desk as well as 1,800 study spaces. The refectory is the largest university facility of its type in Scotland. The learning cybercafe is the perfect spot to work or relax, while The Arc Health and Wellbeing Facility provides ample opportunities to get active.

Glasgow boasts a strong arts and music scene, alongside plenty of other entertainment options. Students stay well-connected through the city's strong UK transport links and international airport.

London

GCU London is based in the vibrant, fashionable and culturally rich Spitalfields. It is a hothouse of thought-leadership, creativity and academic excellence, operating within a mile of one of a global financial capital. Courses cover international business, banking, finance, insurance and marketing.

Students from around the world choose GCU London to live and learn in a thriving business-focused community, in an ultra-modern environment. Comprehensive student support from its academics and the student association means students easily build friendships, relationships and experiences that last a lifetime.

Accommodation

University-owned accommodation is available on the Glasgow campus. Caledonian Court is situated just across the road from the campus, and is a vibrant, self-catered residence, home to 660 students. Flats are typically shared by six to eight students and rooms are mostly single, many with en-suite facilities.

Students may also choose to live nearby in privately rented accommodation in Glasgow or in London.

Research

GCU is the top Scottish modern university for the level of research (72 percent) considered to be world-leading or internationally excellent. In health research, it is second in the UK for impact (REF 2021).

GCU researchers advise governments, industry and international bodies. Research expertise spans all academic schools and research centres.

The entire GCU community enjoys state-of-the-art facilities, teaching excellence and a high-quality vocational education.

GCU boasts transnational partnerships in China, South Africa, Nepal, Oman, Bangladesh, Singapore, Malaysia and Mauritius. Its success as a globally connected university is demonstrated by the large number of international students studying at its UK campuses.

Exchanges

GCU's unique partnerships with global businesses and higher education institutions bring a host of benefits and opportunities. There are 120 universities around the world where GCU students can study for a year, a semester or a summer. Almost all undergraduate courses offer the option of an exchange programme.

Placements

Students are encouraged to complete work experience placements or internships in a relevant industry while they study. The careers service helps students explore and apply for these.

Academic staff boast strong links with employers and work to develop these contacts and build new ones. Each school uses its ties with industry to support students, encouraging placements at home and abroad.

Employability

Degrees are designed with employability at their heart, with many accredited by professional bodies, ensuring students gain meaningful knowledge and skills.

Students benefit from:

• Guest speakers and masterclasses from professionals
• Curricula designed in collaboration with industry experts
• Strong links with employers in the private, public and third sectors
• The latest technologies and industry-standard facilities
• Careers fairs
• Employer presentations

Careers Service

A dedicated careers service assists students throughout their studies and even after graduation, with qualified careers advisors helping students to set and achieve career goals.

Support includes:

• Career planning
• Sourcing and maximising opportunities, including internships and graduate jobs
• Preparing for modern recruitment processes
• Access to GCU's online vacancies portal

The idea of managing costs and budget as a student can be daunting, but a gaining degree is an investment that can open doors and kickstart a meaningful career.

Scholarships and funding

Glasgow Caledonian University believes that education is for everyone, and as such has dedicated support teams on hand to help students understand what financial support options are available to them.

The university is passionate about widening access to education. It offers a range of bursaries, scholarships and discounts. With straightforward application processes and a funding team on hand to advise, it is committed to helping learners from a range of backgrounds to succeed in higher education.

Students are encouraged to review the current scholarships on offer at GCU to find options suited to their personal circumstances.

Financial support on campus

Financial support doesn't stop when students arrive on campus. Students are encouraged to meet with the dedicated student funding team for practical advice and guidance on the financial support options available.

Drop-in times, contact details and an online appointment booking system is available to all students via the university website.